Lake County Government News
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Lake County Working for You
2020 was a challenging year, and through it all, Lake County government remained laser-focused on working for you. We provided up-to-date information, resources and funding to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, developed innovative tools to deliver services remotely, maintained our commitment to financial and environmental efficiency, made many improvements to the County’s
infrastructure, and more.
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We’re also pleased to introduce a new section on our website called Lake County Working for You, where we will continue to document the many actions Lake County government is taking to improve and protect your safety and well-being, pocketbook, environment and trust in government, as well as the County’s infrastructure.
Town Hall Meeting Featured Answers to Vaccine Questions
On Wednesday evening, Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart hosted a virtual town hall meeting with Lake County Health Department Executive Director Mark Pfister and others to answer questions from the community about the COVID-19 vaccine, including questions about the timeline, vaccine safety and more. If you weren’t able to attend, you can listen to the recording at
lakecountyil.gov/townhall.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Registration
More than 200,000 people have registered through Lake County’s AllVax Portal to be notified when they can schedule their appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Anyone who lives or works in Lake County can register on the AllVax Portal.
Registering is free, easy, and secure—just visit AllVax.lakecohealth.org.
If you are unable to register on-line, you can also register over the phone by calling the Lake County Health Department at (847) 377-8130. Once you are registered, you will be notified when you are eligible to receive a vaccine, and you can use the system to schedule your vaccination appointment.
Update: Recreational Cannabis in Unincorporated Lake County
At its Jan. 8, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting, the Lake County Board directed staff to prepare a resolution that would begin the public hearing process to get input on potential regulations to allow recreational cannabis businesses (including growers, processors, distributors and retail establishments) in unincorporated Lake County.
This process will involve several steps and allow multiple opportunities and forums for public engagement. Further committee discussion and action on the proposed resolution will be taken at the Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee meetings in late January and early February.
Public May Now Offer "Live" Comment During Lake County Board and Committee Meetings
In order to make it easier for the public to participate in the public comment section of Lake County Board and Committee meetings that are held remotely over Zoom, members of the public are now able to offer "live" public comments during the Zoom meetings from the comfort of their own home. All board and committee meetings have been held remotely via Zoom throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is anticipated that remote meetings will continue well into 2021.
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Learn more about attending meetings and submitting public comment
SWALCO Begins Pilot Project to Promote Compost Use and Divert Food Scraps
The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) has taken its first steps in a pilot project to promote compost use and divert food scraps from landfills. The project is funded by a joint grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
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The project's main endeavor is to demonstrate that compost derived from landscape waste and food scraps can be a valuable product that can be used in agriculture to improve and maintain soil health. SWALCO is working with several community partners on this project including the Vernon Hills Park District and the Lake County Forest Preserves Green Youth Farm. Learn more
Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
All Lake County offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 18 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This marks the 26th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates King's life and legacy. Observed each year on the third Monday in January, MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. In spite of COVID-19, you can volunteer in a safe and distant way to provide much-needed help. Find volunteer opportunities in your community by visiting the
MLK Day of Service web page.
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Lake County COVID-19 Update
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Case Count Update
The Lake County Health Department continues to monitor COVID-19 cases in Lake County. As of Jan. 12, 48,827 Lake County residents have tested positive for COVID-19,
including 803 deaths.
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For more statistics, check out the Health Department’s Coronavirus Data Hub, which provides resources to help Lake County residents better understand the impact of the pandemic on our communities. These resources include case trends and demographics, death demographics, and information on testing and
hospitalizations. View the Lake County Coronavirus Datahub
As of Jan. 11, the rolling 7-day average testing positivity rate in North Suburban Region 9, which includes Lake and McHenry Counties, was 9.7 percent. View the Region 9 current information.
COVID-19 Testing Locations
The state of Illinois operates the following testing sites, open seven days a week from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Testing at these sites is free.
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Waukegan, 102 W. Water Street
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Arlington Heights, 2000 W. Euclid Ave.
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For more information, visit the IDPH website at https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/ covid-19-testing-sites.
Many healthcare providers in Lake County also have COVID-19 testing available. Please contact your provider or the facility to ask about testing criteria and appointment availability. Residents without a healthcare provider or insurance can contact the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center for an appointment at (847) 377-8800.
Health Department News
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Test Your Home for Radon
Radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers, claiming the lives of approximately 21,000 Americans each year. It can seep into your home through cracks in your home’s foundation. The Health Department recommends that Lake County homeowners test the radon levels in their home during the winter months, and offers $10 testing kits including laboratory analysis.
Learn more
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January is Cervical Health Awareness Month
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection that spreads through sexual activity and can cause cervical cancer. Every year, approximately 19,400 women and 12,100 men are affected by cancers caused by HPV. The HPV vaccine can prevent HPV, and cervical cancer can be prevented with regular screening tests and follow-up care.
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Free cervical cancer screenings are offered to eligible Lake County women through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP). For more information, call (847) 377-8430.
Transportation News
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Volunteer: Adopt A Highway Today!
Lake County is now accepting applications for enrollment in the Lake County Adopt A Highway program. Volunteers adopt a section of a county highway and commit to cleaning it twice a year. Currently, there are
35 roads available for adoption.
To acknowledge your effort, an Adopt A Highway sign with your group's name will be installed at the site of your clean-up.
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Open enrollment for clean-ups this spring runs through Jan. 31. If you are interested in participating, sign up today.
For more information, contact Keely Wells, Adopt A Highway Coordinator at 847-377-7472.
Sheriff News
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Winter Holiday Traffic Safety Campaign Results
Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 10 people for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the winter holiday traffic enforcement campaign. Additionally, 13 driving with a suspended/revoked driver’s license, 38 speeding, and 62 seatbelt citations were issued.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Illinois Department of Transportation and law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois for the enforcement campaign from Dec. 18, 2020 to Jan. 4, 2021.
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Lake County Clerk’s Office News
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Vote by Mail in the February 23 Consolidated Primary
Local elections are around the corner. Don’t let severe winter weather stop you from voting! You can opt to vote by mail in the February Consolidated Primary. Be sure to complete the ballot application form and return it to the Lake County Clerk's office by 5 p.m. on Feb.18.
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To receive the application form, you can
Ballots will be printed and mailed beginning Jan. 14. Mail your voted ballot back to the Lake County Clerk's office with a postmark no later than Election Day, Feb. 23.
You can track the Lake County Clerk's receipt of your ballot at
LakeVoterPower.info using the "Track My Ballot" feature.
Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court News
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Michael Nerheim Appointed Circuit Judge as Judge Valerie Boettle
Ceckowski Retires
Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Valerie Boettle Ceckowski is retiring from the bench at the end of this month after 24 years of service. She was first appointed as Associate Judge in 1997. Ten years later, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed her as a Circuit Judge for the Second Subcircuit of Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, and she was
subsequently elected to that position in 2008.
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To replace her on the bench, the Illinois Supreme Court has appointed former Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim. His appointment will be effective Feb. 1, 2021 until Dec. 5, 2022. To maintain his position as Circuit Judge after Dec. 5, 2022, he will have to be nominated in March 2022 primary and elected in the November 2022 general election. Read more
Treasurer’s Office News
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New No-Fee Option for Property Tax Payments
The Lake County Treasurer’s Office recently announced a new no-fee option for the payment of property taxes via e-check. As of Jan. 4, 2021, Lake County property owners can use the electronic check payment option without paying a fee by accessing the electronic payment portal on the Treasurer’s website at
http://lakecountytreasurer.info/waystopay
Recorder of Deed’s Office News
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Beware of Homeowner Scam
All requests for copies for deeds should be directed through the Lake County Recorder's office. Look out for deed scams and watch the video to learn how to identify scam letters and protect yourself. If you have any questions or need a copy of your deed, contact the Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office at (847) 377-2575.
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Get Help
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Get Help Paying Rent and Utilities
If you're a Lake County resident and need help paying rent or utility bills because you've lost income due to COVID-19, you are encouraged to apply for the Lake County COVID Housing Relief Program (CHRP).
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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Now Accepting New Loan Applications
Mobile Food Pantries and Pop-Up Food Markets
The Northern Illinois Food Bank maintains a list of mobile food pantries and pop-up food markets planned for Lake County. Families in need of food are invited to come to attend any of the markets to receive free groceries. No ID or registration is required. For a complete calendar, visit https://solvehungertoday.
org/get-help/distributions/
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Employment Resources
Are you looking for a job during this challenging time of layoffs, furloughs, and hiring freezes? Here are some helpful resources:
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Census Bureau Field Representatives: The U.S. Census Bureau is seeking field representatives in Lake County to work on surveys and special censuses. To learn more or
request an application, call 800-865-6384 Ext. 15, or email
chicago.recruiting@census.gov.
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Careers in Cybersecurity: Are you considering a career in cybersecurity?
Speakers from the Bank of America will share key information about industry trends, career opportunities, and required skills on Jan. 20 at 11:30 a.m.
Register for this online event
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Mastering the Virtual Job Interview: Learn the necessary tips and tricks to successfully interview online and land your next job! Jan. 26, 1 p.m. Register for this online event
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Four vital Virtual Tools for Job Seekers.
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January Calendar of online events.
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Schedule time to use the Job Center of Lake County resource room computers for your job search by calling 847-377-3450. Face coverings are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed. For more information, visit the Job Center website.
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Get Hired Illinois: Get Hired Illinois is a single portal where individuals can access virtual job fairs, free online training, and current job listings.
Get Assistance With ComEd Bills
Commonwealth Edison offers several different programs for individuals and small businesses who are experiencing financial hardship to receive assistance with their electric bill payments. To learn more, visit ComEd.com/Support.
Mental Health Crisis Care
The Health Department also offers mental health support through its Crisis Care hotline, available 24/7 at (847) 377-8088. Services are free and confidential. Learn more
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Call 211 to Get Connected to the Help You Need
If you need help finding food, shelter, rent or utility assistance, or other essential services, call 211 or TEXT your zip code to 898211 to speak with someone who can help 24/7. To receive general COVID-19 information via text message, text "COVID19" to 211211. For more information, visit www.211lakecounty.org.
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Forest Preserve News
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How to be a Voice for Nature
As a new year begins, consider being a voice for nature by making a tax-deductible donation to the Preservation Foundation, the charitable partner of the Lake County Forest Preserves. Or give a unique gift to a loved one by supporting the care of trails and preserves or adopting a baby Blanding’s turtle in their honor.
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Every gift matters, and 100% of your donation supports work on the ground. Learn more about giving opportunities at LCFPD.org/donate or call 847-968-3110.
Virtual School Field Trips
Forest Preserve history and environmental educators offer several virtual field trip experiences that engage students and lighten the load for teachers. Artifacts, live animals, and biofacts are used in programs to help students learn about local history and the natural world. Teachers can choose from a variety of topics including prehistoric Lake County, early settlers, the Potawatomi, geology, animal adaptions, birds, and lake ecology.
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All programs support Illinois Learning Standards. Each program runs 30–45 minutes. The cost is $30 for the first classroom; $20 for each additional classroom attending. Learn more »
Summer Camps to be Announced in Spring
Registration for the upcoming summer
camp season typically opens on Dec. 1. However, we all know that 2020 was not a typical year. As a result, we are delaying the announcement of the 2021 summer camp schedule. A full roster will be listed online at LCFPD.org/camps and in the spring 2021 issue of Horizons.
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Information about the Conservation Explorers and Science Explorers in Nature programs will also be included. This new timeline allows Forest Preserve staff to make the best, safest decision regarding the type of programming to offer—virtual, in-person or hybrid—based on anticipated pandemic conditions and guidelines next summer.
Community Events & News
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Top Things To Do in Lake County in January
There are plenty of safe, socially distanced activities to be found in Lake County. Check out Visit Lake County’s top 10 list, including sledding, ice fishing, a boat show and more. Please keep yourself and others safe and wear a mask and maintain social distancing, even when outside. Read more
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Watch All County Board and Committee Meetings
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All Lake County board and committee meetings are continuing to be conducted remotely. Meetings are live-streamed at
lakecounty.tv and on cable television (Comcast channels 18 or 30, depending on where you live, and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99). The public is also welcome to view the livestream of all meetings in-person at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, 10th Floor Assembly Room.
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also offer "live" public comments during the Zoom meetings from the comfort of their own home or submit comments by email and phone call. Learn more
To see a current schedule of board and committee meetings, click here.
All meetings are recorded, and are posted on the Lake County website. Here are links to the most recent board and committee meetings, including video recordings and agendas:
Lake County Board: Jan. 12
Committee of the Whole: Jan. 8
Financial and Administrative Committee: Jan. 7
Energy and Environment Committee: Jan. 6
Public Works, Planning and Transportation Committee: Jan. 6
Law and Judicial Committee: Jan. 5
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